Robotic Surgical Procedures

The hospitals of Saint Thomas Health are changing the surgical experience for patients and re-writing the accepted standards for surgical care through the use of the most advanced robotic surgery system available. The minimally invasive treatment option is performed through the smallest of incisions, so patients typically experience less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities.

Robotic surgery at Saint Thomas Health is a less-invasive surgical approach that incorporates the latest advancements in robotic-assisted technology and allows a surgeon greater visualization, enhanced dexterity, precision and control.

Robotics surgeons discuss the unique advantages of robotics surgery in performing a variety of surgical procedures.

A variety of conditions that can be treated utilizing robotic surgery at Saint Thomas Health include:

Coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become hard and narrow because of cholesterol or plaque build-up in the inners walls of the arteries.

Mitral valve prolapse, a condition when one or both of the flaps that are supposed to open and close to control blood flow to the heart do not work properly and allows small amounts of blood to flow backwards into the heart valve.

Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

Urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder and kidney and other urologic conditions that affect the male reproductive organs and urinary tract organs.

A combination of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering students from Lipscomb University in Nashville had the chance of a lifetime to watch a LIVE robotics surgery at Saint Thomas West. Watch as the students get a first-hand look at how robots are being used in healthcare today.

How does it work?

Using two small cameras, the system creates a three-dimensional, high-definition view of the operative field. Surgeons work at a kiosk with controls that connect to very small surgical instruments. The kiosk’s controls use Intuitive® motion technology to mimic natural hand and wrist movements, allowing surgeons the same precision they enjoy in traditional open surgeries.